MCRC Business Operating Grants 2025

$25K Growth Funding for Middlesex County Small Businesses

Donor: Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC)

About: The Middlesex County Revitalization Commission is offering substantial financial support to empower established small businesses in Middlesex County, Connecticut, through their transformative Business Operating Grants Program. This strategic initiative, running from 2023 to 2027, allocates $200,000 annually to foster sustainable business growth and operational resilience within the local community.

The 2025 grant cycle presents a pivotal opportunity for qualifying businesses to secure up to $25,000 in funding, designed specifically to catalyze business expansion and overcome operational challenges. This program stands out for its comprehensive approach to business support, focusing on both immediate operational needs and long-term growth sustainability.

What makes this grant particularly valuable is its flexible funding structure, allowing businesses to invest in critical areas such as equipment upgrades, technological advancement, leasehold improvements, and strategic operational enhancements. The program demonstrates MCRC’s commitment to strengthening the local business ecosystem through targeted financial assistance.

For businesses seeking expert guidance through the application process, Grantaura’s specialized services can significantly enhance your chances of success. Our team offers comprehensive support including detailed grant research, professional business plan development, strategic financial planning, and complete application management services. With our expertise in local grant programs, we can help position your business as a strong candidate for this valuable funding opportunity.

Focus: Business operations, technological advancement, equipment acquisition, facility improvements, business expansion, workforce retention, local economic development, small business sustainability

Region: Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States

Eligibility:
-For-profit businesses operating in Middlesex County, Connecticut for minimum 24 months as of March 15, 2025
-Small businesses with maximum 50 employees
-Annual gross sales under $8 million in 2024
-Must be registered as U.S. Corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship
-Must maintain good standing with Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
-Must comply with all state and federal employment regulations
-Must be current on all prior MCRC and state lending programs
-Must be actively operating (remote operations acceptable)
-Must attend mandatory online information session before application
–Disqualifying factors:
—Active bankruptcies
—Unpaid child support
—Outstanding taxes or liens
—Judgments or unpaid payroll
-Ineligible business types:
–Franchise businesses (two or more locations)
–Payday loan companies
–Adult-oriented businesses
–Passive real estate investments
–Lobbying organizations
–Pyramid/MLM companies
–Speculative trading businesses

Benefits:
-Maximum grant amount of $25,000 per business
-Annual funding opportunity through 2027
-No repayment required
-Flexible use of funds for:
–Equipment and technology upgrades
–Facility improvements
–Operational costs
–Supply chain management
–Marketing initiatives
–Employee-related expenses

Deadline: March 15, 2025

Terms:
-MCRC: Middlesex County Revitalization Commission – A local government organization dedicated to economic development in Middlesex County, Connecticut
-Operating Grant: Financial assistance provided to businesses for ongoing operational expenses and growth initiatives that doesn’t require repayment
-Business Operating Grants Program: MCRC’s five-year initiative (2023-2027) providing annual funding to support local business growth
-Information Session: Mandatory online meeting providing detailed program information and application guidance
-Letter of Good Standing: Official document from Connecticut Department of Revenue Services confirming tax compliance
-Form 941: IRS form reporting quarterly payroll tax information
-P&L Statement: Profit and Loss statement showing business financial performance